The Indiana Attorney General’s Office has filed a lawsuit against a Porter County resident and his paving company.

According to a statement released on Friday, the suit alleges multiple state consumer protection law violations against Donald Bullington and his company, D&C Paving.

“The Attorney General’s Office received six consumer complaints claiming the work D&C Paving was hired to do is incomplete and driveways are now cracking and crumbling due to poor workmanship,” the statement said. “The suit claims Bullington violated Indiana law when he failed to honor warranties or include start and completion dates in contracts.”

Attorney General Greg Zoeller indicated that he hopes the filing of the suit in Porter County will facilitate the recovery of more than $15,000 in losses for consumers who hired D&C Paving since 2007.

“When we see a pattern of business practices that hurt Indiana consumers, it is our responsibility to stop these practices and try to seek restitution for the victims,” Zoeller said. “Businesses that choose to ignore the rules operate with an unfair advantage over law-abiding operations and put Hoosiers at risk for being scammed.”

“In an effort to mediate a consumer complaint, the Attorney General’s Office sent D&C Paving a letter in February 2009 warning that company about violating the Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act (HICA),” the statement said. “The letter notified the company of the state’s responsibility to follow up on future consumer complaints and take legal action if necessary. The Attorney General’s Office received five consumer complaints describing violations of HICA after D&C Paving receiving the warning letter.”

The Attorney General’s Office is seeking restitution for six consumers whose complaints are detailed in the lawsuit, the statement said, but others could be added if more complaints are received. “Consumers who had a contract with D&C Paving that is more than two years old may be eligible for restitution and are encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division,” the statement said. The complaint form can be found at www.IndianaConsumer.com

 or by calling (800) 382-5516.

Posted 12/14/2009